SATURDAY | 17 FEB, 2024 | 5:45 PM
‘Artists with Conscience’, an illuminating discourse on the transformative power of art in championing social and environmental causes. This dialogue will shine a spotlight on the pivotal role of cartoonists and artists in shaping narratives, sparking conversations, and driving change toward a more just and sustainable world. The discussion will also include pathways available for young creatives to harness their talents in service of noble causes, forging new narratives, and inspiring collective action.
Ahsan Habib
Prominent Cartoonist, and Editor of UNMAD
Ahsan Habib is a prominent Bangladeshi cartoonist, writer, and editor. He is known for his work with the satirical magazine Unmad and his contributions to Bengali science fiction. Habib is also an advisor to the Bangladesh Cartoonist Association and a professor of Graphic Novel instruction.
Wakilur Rahman
Painter, Printmaker, and Sculptor
Wakilur Rahman is a versatile artist, known for his proficiency in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Since 1988, he has split his time between Dhaka and Berlin, addressing social issues through his artwork. Rahman holds a B.F.A from Dhaka Art College and an M.F.A from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, China. His talent has earned him numerous awards, including recognition at international exhibitions in Canada, Norway, and Germany.
Mehedi Haque
Political Cartoonist at The New Age,
Founder of Dhaka Comics
Mehedi Haque, a seasoned Bangladeshi cartoonist and founder of Dhaka Comics, has made significant contributions to the field since 1997. His passion for drawing cartoons ignited in 1997, leading him to join Unmad in 1998, where he now serves as the executive editor. He is renowned for his political cartoons in the New Age and his efforts to promote comic culture in Bangladesh.
SUNDAY | 18 FEB, 2024 | 6:20 PM
This dialogue will explore the harmonious dance between design and nature’s dynamic water systems. Hear renowned architects and landscape designers delve into innovative projects that celebrate rivers and water. Uncover how design can adapt to, enhance, and integrate seamlessly with our precious aquatic ecosystems. Dive into thought-provoking questions: Can architecture and design solutions mitigate rising water levels? Witness the power of collaboration in shaping a future where design flows in rhythm with nature.
Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf
Director-General at Bengal Institute
Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, an architect, professor, and urbanist, is renowned for his contributions to architectural discourse in Bangladesh. As the Director-General of Bengal Institute, he’s dedicated to exploring the intersections of architecture, landscape, and the city.
Marina Tabassum
Chief Architect, MTA
Marina Tabassum, an award-winning architect from Bangladesh, founded Marina Tabassum Architects in 2005. Her firm focuses on environmentally conscious and culturally relevant architecture. Tabassum’s notable works include the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, recognized with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016.
MONDAY | 19 FEB, 2024 | 4:00 PM
Non-fiction Feature – 1st part of the Water Trilogy
Duration: 90 Mins
By the coastal belts of Bangladesh, in a small village named ‘Sutarkhali,’ RAKHI lives with her man SOUMEN (32) and their son RAHUL (6). Fighting against all the odds of the woods, along with around 100 families, they cultivated the land for generations until a tidal surge hit the coastal belts of Bangladesh. For RAKHI, SOUMEN, and RAHUL, life is not the same anymore.
Seasons change the topography, even relations… Yet after the rain… They go out with spades and shovels to reclaim life again… Are You Listening!
TUESDAY | 20 FEB, 2024 | 4 PM
This critical dialogue about the fate of our rivers will seek to delve into as economic development surges, are we witnessing the demise of these life-giving waterways? Renowned environmental layer, conservation practitioners, and civil society leaders engage in a frank discussion about pollution, encroachment, and the impact on river-dependent life and livelihoods. Explore the complex interplay of economic success, political choices, and governance failures in this crisis. Can we reconcile progress with environmental responsibility? Witness diverse perspectives collide as we seek solutions to restore our rivers – and our relationship with them.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan
CEO, BELA
Syeda Rizwana Hasan is a lawyer and CEO, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). She tackled dangerous shipbreaking practices, winning landmark legal battles. A Goldman & Magsaysay laureate, she’s a tireless champion for environmental justice and workers’ rights.
Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman
Executive Director, CNRS
Dr. Mukhlesur Rahman, the Executive Director at the Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), spearheads one of Bangladesh’s foremost pro-environmental NGOs. With CNRS since its inception in 1994, Dr. Rahman has been instrumental in driving innovative approaches and tangible outcomes in environmental studies. He aims to influence national development strategies towards sustainable environmental practices in Bangladesh.
Sharif Jamil
Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh
Sharif Jamil, the Buriganga Riverkeeper and head of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, is one of Bangladesh’s most outspoken and impassioned environmental advocates, leading a country-wide campaign to avert an environmental catastrophe for the country’s 165 million people, who are already suffering the effects of climate change and sea-level rise more than any other people on earth.
Sheikh Rokon
Founder, Riverine People
Sheikh Rokon is a river researcher, writer, and traveler. He is the founder and general secretary of the Riverine People, a Dhaka-based NGO advocating for rivers, wetlands, and water resources. His expertise lies in transboundary river issues, youth engagement, and riverine community culture. Sheikh Rokon is also an Adjunct Faculty at Jahangirnagar University and Assistant Editor at Daily Samakal.